Frame Purse Tutorial: Make the Purse Body and Attach the Frame
Here is how to make a purse using a purse frame.
We use a plastic purse frame in this tutorial, but you can follow the same steps when using a metal purse frame.
For instructions on making a sew-on purse frame with holes, please see this tutorial.
Frame Purse Tutorial: Make the Purse Body and Attach the Frame
Materials and Preparation |
About the Purse Frame PatternWhat to Check Before You Begin |
1. Make the Purse BodyMake the purse body to fit the frame. |
2. Attach the Purse FrameAttach the purse frame using paper cord. |
3. Adjust the FrontAdjust the front and finish the purse. |
Finish!!A Summary of the Finishing Tips |
Materials
Here are the materials you will need:
Medium- to heavyweight fabric is the easiest to work with.
For this project, we are using corduroy with a large motif.
When working with a large print, take a little extra care when positioning and cutting the fabric so the design is shown at its best.
Use cotton sheeting that is not too thick, with a texture similar to a bedsheet or cloth napkin.
We are using a small, retro-style plastic purse frame.
You can make it in the same way with a metal purse frame.
Please prepare paper cord that fits snugly into the groove of your purse frame.
The type commonly used for wrapping packages will work well.
See this guide for instructions on adjusting the thickness of the paper cord.
Wood glue is easy to use and holds securely, so it is our recommended choice.
You can also use G Clear or Lock Bond, although they can be a little more difficult to handle.
A toothpick or another fine tool is useful for applying glue inside the narrow groove. It is also helpful to have a small piece of paper to hold the glue.
Use this to press the paper cord into the groove of the purse frame.
Keep a damp cloth ready so you can easily wipe away any excess glue.
About the Purse Frame Pattern
Use a pattern made to fit your purse frame.
All purse frames sold in our shop come with a free pattern. If your frame does not include one, please see this guide to learn how to make your own.
How to Make a Purse Frame Pattern
1. Make the Purse Body
①For this project, we will create a design that makes the most of the matryoshka print.
We will use the free pattern included with the purse frame.
I lengthened the pattern slightly so the motif would be positioned nicely.
I added about 3 cm to the original pattern.
②Cut out the outer fabric and lining fabric pieces.
③Place the outer fabric pieces right sides together and sew them. Do the same with the lining fabric pieces.
You will have two matching pouch shapes: one in the outer fabric and one in the lining fabric.
④When sewing, be sure to stop at the marked stopping point and do not sew above it.
If you sew all the way to the top, you will not be able to assemble the purse later. This is an important point for any purse frame design.
⑤Put the outer pouch and lining pouch together so they are ready for the purse frame.
For this project, we will leave the top edges raw, layer the two pieces together, and join them with running stitch.
It should now look like this.
The top edge is still raw, but it will be covered by the purse frame.
An Alternative to Raw Edges: For Thin Fabrics
You can also finish the seam allowances at the opening by turning them to the inside instead of leaving the edges raw.
This method is recommended for lightweight fabrics or fabrics that fray easily.
However, the overlapping seam allowances can create extra thickness and make the fabric harder to push into the frame. Choose the method that works best for your fabric.
2. Attach the Purse Frame
①Now it is time to attach the purse frame.
Apply glue inside the groove of the frame.
Use the amount shown in the photo as a guide. Avoid using too much, as this will make the process easier.
The photo shows a short piece of paper cord being used to spread the glue, but a toothpick will also work.
②Use an awl to push the opening of the purse body into the groove of the frame.
The opposite side may slip out as you work, but that is fine at this stage. Check that the purse body fits the frame and that the center and both ends are correctly aligned.
Work carefully to avoid getting the pouch fabric dirty.
③Once you have checked the size and alignment, turn the piece over. Starting at the right edge, use an awl to press the paper cord into the groove and secure the fabric.
Push the cord firmly all the way into the groove while making sure the fabric does not come out.
④This photo shows the paper cord being inserted.
The fabric may feel as though it is about to come out, but continue slowly and securely from one end.
Please take care not to injure yourself while working.
The entire purse body can easily slip out while you are inserting the paper cord.
Do not worry if it looks like the photo!
Add a little more glue to any loose sections, put the fabric back into place, and secure it with the paper cord as you go.
If the fabric still will not stay securely in place after several attempts…😢 the paper cord may not be the right thickness for the groove.
Please see our guide on how to adjust the thickness of paper cord.
Adjust the Paper Cord Thickness3. Adjust the Front
①Once everything is secured, check the fabric placement and look for any pulling or puckering from the front. Use an awl to make adjustments.
The finished shape will look best when the center and both ends are evenly positioned, so adjust them carefully before the glue dries.
②The areas indicated by the arrows tend to fray easily. Apply a little glue or fray stopper here for a neat, secure finish.
If glue gets on the purse frame, you can wipe it off later. However, be careful not to get glue on the fabric body, as it may leave a stain.
If the frame gets glue on it as shown in the photo, wood glue can be wiped away with a damp cloth.
Final Step
Your purse is finished!
A purse frame may seem a little challenging at first, but after making a few, you will understand how it works and be able to achieve a neat, secure finish.
You can make one with just a small fabric scrap, so choose a favorite fabric and enjoy using your handmade purse in everyday life ദᵕ̈૩♡
(2009.10.17 Mayuka Morimoto)
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